Who Should Perform Your Compact Machine Maintenance: You or Your Dealer?

‘Parts is parts.’ You’ve probably been hearing that old adage ever since you’ve been in business, but it’s simply no more factual than it is grammatically correct. Not all parts are created equal, and it’s easy to get distracted by the growing number of bricks-and-mortar parts supply stores and the explosion of online aftermarket parts outlets. It can be tempting to cut costs with lower priced alternatives, but in an age of increased environmental regulations, cheaper options can easily cost you far more in lost time and revenue than using genuine original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts.

To most owners, the quality of wear items like fluids, filters, tires and tracks is as important as the quality of steel itself. There are several clear advantages to installing OEM parts that are tested and proven. First, your machine’s parts are built to OEM specifications and often carry a warranty that can help protect the overall value of your machine.

Equipment manufacturers are monitoring the additional requirements resulting from EPA-compliant emissions standards that are placing greater restrictions on the types and quality of oil that are formulated for exhaust treatment systems. The use of OEM parts can also help reduce breakdowns. For example, something as simple as the use of an improper hydraulic filter may lead to an increase in contaminants. This can cause premature wear to pistons in the pump and potentially lead to a catastrophic failure in the hydraulic system.